Dry Eye

Neither of mine have eye issues, but I belong to a Shih Tzu board where several of the members have dogs with dry eye, and Genteal drops seem to be popular with them.

Yes, Genteal liquid gel for moderate dry eyes (orange stripe on box), NOT the Genteal gel in tube (red stripe on box) , is very helpful for dry eye, in dogs or humans. I've tried less costly brands but they seem just like water and are not nearly as comforting.

A funny thing, dry eyes sometimes cause the eyes to tear like crazy, which seems counter-intuitive, but true, and the Genteal does help.

chrisnpat wrote:
I'm wondering if anyone uses the OTC eye drops for dry for people, on
there doggies that have Dry Eye?

Yep, they work fine.

Long term you may need to upgrade to cyclosporine eye drops. Restasis is the human form and is not as concentrated as the form necessary for dogs. Not an inexpensive treatment, but very effective.

Doug, DVM

Thank You that helps alot, I just pd 600.00 for a test for Summer, and now vet says to test Sebastian for dry eye. Just trying to say a buck or two here.

I've used Restasis myself for several years and it takes awhile to work when you first start it, a couple of weeks, at least. Also, it is not without side effects. I get a burning sensation and red eyes from it, so only use it once a day. I also use the Genteal for comfort. One of our dogs gets seasonal alergies and sometimes needs Rx drops (forget which kind) and sometimes Genteal, but she has her own bottle. We don't share.:W

I use Lacrilube for my girls...A gel works much better then any of the liquids...Lacrilube is an OTC...I also used cyclosporin ung for Izzy before her enucleation...it was pricey but really helped her be comfortable...I would question $600 for a schirmer test...even with a visit to the ophthalmologists and having full work-ups done I don't pay that much for the wees...

You can also use "saline" eye solution that contains a moisturizer for dry eye (in the people section) but do not use any that has stuff for contacts or to keep the "red" out. I have used this previously and it helps if used a couple of times per day. We currently have a Japanese spaniel who has degenerative pannis as well as the dry eye so are using the optimmune brand of cyclosporine. It is a gel and does work better than drops, but, it is not cheap. For dry eye, our vet did a test in his office that tested tear production and only cost about $25. I can tell they have dry eye without a test to tell me so. The eye watering and excessive tears is an early symptom of dry eye.

CA POPPY wrote:
Yes, Genteal liquid gel for moderate dry eyes (orange stripe on box), NOT the Genteal gel in tube (red stripe on box) , is very helpful for dry eye, in dogs or humans. I've tried less costly brands but they seem just like water and are not nearly as comforting.

Is there a reason that you don't use the gel in the tube? I used the gel for years for dry eye in cockers. The gel stays with the eye longer, which is helpful for someone who works all day and isn't home to drop the eyes every couple of hours. Just wondering.....
Thanks,

raindove wrote:

CA POPPY wrote:
Yes, Genteal liquid gel for moderate dry eyes (orange stripe on box), NOT the Genteal gel in tube (red stripe on box) , is very helpful for dry eye, in dogs or humans. I've tried less costly brands but they seem just like water and are not nearly as comforting.

Is there a reason that you don't use the gel in the tube? I used the gel for years for dry eye in cockers. The gel stays with the eye longer, which is helpful for someone who works all day and isn't home to drop the eyes every couple of hours. Just wondering.....
Thanks,

Good point! I do use it myself at bedtime sometimes, which is when Dr recommends it. The problem for humans is that it causes blurry vision. That's a pain when trying to read the paper or computer screen, anything that requires clear vision. Not a problem for doggies! :W The tube type is basically vaseline+water and I sure wish I was the one who thought of marketing it! Wow, is it expensive! :E